The Board of Governors of the Decorative Arts Trust is honored to announce the successful conclusion of a $2M campaign to raise endowed funds in support of the Emerging Scholars Program (ESP). 

Titled Providing a Future for Students of the Past, the campaign commenced in 2017 and was achieved through contributions from more than 200 donors. The largest fundraising effort mounted by the organization to date, the generosity of Trust members and a small group of private foundations and charitable funds ensures the ESP’s future in the years ahead. Upwards of 50 emerging scholars benefit from the Trust’s support in a typical year.

The Trust’s Executive Director, Matthew A. Thurlow, cites “the tremendous munificence of our community” in reaching the goal. “We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone, especially in a challenging climate.”

Charles T. Akre, Jr., President of the Trust’s Board of Governors, adds “the benefit of the ESP to young scholars and institutions alike is a great source of pride for the organization and our membership. This service is central to the Trust’s mission and will remain part of our core focus thanks to the success of this campaign.” Akre chaired the Campaign Committee and guided the fundraising process to a successful end.

Robert A. Leath, Chairman of the Trust’s Education Committee, which oversees the ESP, and President of the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, states “this campaign helps to secure the future of our field through valuable opportunities for highly qualified young professionals who will serve as the next generation of caretakers for our nation’s artistic legacy.” 

Brock W. Jobe, Vice President of the Board of Governors and Professor of American Decorative Arts Emeritus at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, sees this as “a foundational moment for the Trust that guarantees the continuation of grants and internships that change the lives of young professionals and enhance the Trust’s commitment to scholarship and the museum world.” Jobe was instrumental in the expansion of the ESP.

                  For more information about the Decorative Arts Trust’s Emerging Scholars Program, visit decorativeartstrust.org, email thetrust@decorativeartstrust.org, or call 610.627.4970.